ARS | Publication request: Current status of Marek's disease in the united states and worldwide

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 24, 2012
Publication Date: June 24, 2012
Citation: Dunn, J.R., Gimeno, I. 2012. Current status of Marek's disease in the united states and worldwide [abstract]. 9th International Symposium on Marek's Disease and Avian Herpesviruses, June 24-28, 2012, Freie Universitat Berlin. p. 53.

Technical Abstract: A questionnaire was widely distributed in 2011 to estimate the global prevalence of Marek’s disease and gain a better understanding of current control strategies and future concerns. A total of 104 questionnaires were returned representing 108 countries from sources including national branch secretaries of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, vaccine, breeder, and production companies, as well as Marek’s disease researchers from various backgrounds. Breeder flocks within 46 countries (43%) were listed as having increasing MD incidence during the last 10 years by at least one respondent with the majority of these countries located within French-speaking Africa, Eastern Europe, East Asia and South America. Only 14 countries (13%) indicated increasing MD incidence was likely due to higher virulent strains while the presence of other immunosuppressive diseases was a more common explanation. Increased use of CVI988/Rispens was cited as the most likely reason for decreasing MD incidence in 40 countries (37%). In the United States, MD incidence has continued to decrease during the last 10 years, reaching a record low in 2007 (0.0008%) as measured by leukosis condemnation rates in broilers at slaughter. Detailed results of MD incidence and vaccination trends will be presented.